CH717840A2 - Apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages from a flat disc made of filtering material (20), comprising transfer means (200) for the flat disc (20), molding means (300 ) of the flat disk (20) to shape it in the shape of a cup with a pleating on a lateral perimeter surface of the same, means for inserting the pleated cup inside a waterproof cup, and means for continuous holding (700) in a predetermined position of the disk flat (20) at least in the forming means (300), and continuous holding means (600) in a predetermined position of the flat disk (20) in the transfer means (200) up to the forming means (300).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages. Single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages, typically coffee, and particularly so-called coffee, have been on the market for some time. "American style" or "filter coffee".

[0002] Traditionally, this drink was prepared by simple contact and subsequent percolation of hot water into a container through a filter generally made of paper or metal filled with coffee powder.

[0003] More recently, single-dose capsules of simple management are in use in machines intended for the preparation of this beverage. The single-dose capsule is generally constituted by an external waterproof casing in the shape of a cup, in the upper part of which is inserted a filter paper filter always in the shape of a cup, welded inside the casing along the upper edge at the mouth.

[0004] In order to increase the filtering surfaces and to create ducts by means of which the filtered beverage can better reach the lower part of the waterproof casing, the paper filter is pleated along the side walls before its insertion .

[0005] Subsequently, the filter is filled with food substances, such as soluble or partially soluble coffee powders, and the cup-shaped waterproof outer casing is closed at the top with a waterproof film sealed on the edge, generally after replacing and / or enriched the residual air in the container with inert gas to protect the food substance, thus creating the single-dose capsule.

[0006] Devices and systems for manufacturing single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages as described above have been on the market for some time.

[0007] It is known that such plants traditionally have successive processing stations along a production line in which the various activities necessary for the packaging of the finished single-dose capsule are subsequently carried out.

[0008] As is known, EP 20932148 B1 also describes a plant for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages consisting of a production line along which there are means for forming the paper filter, and means for its insertion in a waterproof container to the edge of which the filter is welded after adjusting the exact level of its insertion.

[0009] It is in fact known that a criticality of automatic systems for manufacturing single-dose capsules is the exact positioning of the preformed paper filter in the waterproof container, generally cup-shaped.

[0010] A positioning of the preformed filter in the waterproof container not exactly in axis and / or not exactly at the established level entails a subsequent imperfect welding of the filter to the container, its unacceptability and therefore a high production waste and the rejection of the piece.

[0011] The need for specific means for adjusting the exact positioning of the preformed filter in the waterproof container also involves a limit to the production speed of the plant. Such traditional plants for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages therefore notoriously involve a dedicated processing station or specific devices dedicated for the exact positioning of the preformed filter in the waterproof container.

[0012] There is therefore a need to simplify the structure of traditional systems for manufacturing single-dose capsules for the preparation of known beverages.

[0013] The technical aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages which allows to eliminate the technical drawbacks complained of in the known art.

[0014] Within the scope of this technical task, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages which positions the preformed filter in the waterproof container exactly in axis.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to realize an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages which positions the preformed filter in the waterproof container exactly at the established level

[0016] Another object of the invention is that of realizing an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages which eliminates production scraps.

[0017] Not the least object of the invention is that of realizing an apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages which has a high production speed.

[0018] The technical task, as well as these and other purposes, according to the present invention are achieved by realizing an apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages from a flat disc made of filtering material, comprising means for transferring said flat disk with forming means to shape it in the shape of a cup with a pleating on a perimeter surface and means for inserting said pleated cup inside a waterproof cup, characterized in that it comprises continuous holding means in a predetermined position of said flat disk at least in said transfer and forming means and during its transfer between said transfer and forming means. Other characteristics of the present invention are also defined in the subsequent claims.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the apparatus for the manufacture of single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached figures, in which the following are schematically shown: figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an apparatus according to the invention; figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of an apparatus according to the invention; figures 3, 4, 5 show continuous holding means; figure 6 shows a cutting station; Figures 7A -7H show the sequence of a device for forming and inserting the flat disc: Figure 7A shows the device in an initial position; figure 7B shows the gripping device of the flat disk; figure 7C shows the device in a preforming position; figure 7D shows the device in a forming position; figure 7E shows the device in a detachment and rotation position; figure 7F shows the device in a lowered position; Figure 7G shows the device in a delivery position; figure 7H shows the device in a raised position; figure 8 shows a container with a pleated cup; Figure 9 shows a top plan view of the transfer carousel with the articulated arms assembled; Figure 10 shows a top plan view of the transfer carousel with the articulated arms disassembled; Figure 11 shows a bottom plan view of the transfer carousel with the rotary movement system of an articulated arm in evidence; figure 12 shows a bottom plan view of the transfer carousel with the telescopic movement system of an articulated arm in evidence;

[0020] With reference to the aforementioned figures, an apparatus is shown for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages, indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.

[0021] In the figures, an apparatus 1 substantially comprising a cutting station 2, a first rotating carousel 3, a second rotating carousel 4 is shown.

[0022] The cutting station 2 comprises cutting means 100 of a strip of filtering material 10 for making a flat disk 20; the first rotating carousel 3 comprises means 200 for transferring the flat disc 20 from the cutting means 100 to the forming means 300; the second rotating carousel 4 comprises means 300 for forming the flat disk 20 to shape it in the shape of a pleated cup 21, and means 400 for inserting the pleated cup 21 inside a waterproof cup 30.

[0023] The apparatus 1 further comprises continuous holding means 600 in the transfer means 200, continuous holding means 700 in the forming means 300, which retain the flat disc 20 in a predetermined position, and possibly means for continuous holding 500 in the means of cut 100.

[0024] The continuous holding means 500 in the cutting means 100, if provided, can comprise a kinematic mechanism for mechanical holding of the flat disc 20, comprising at least one pair of longitudinally coaxial pistons 501 with opposite activation, typically an upper piston 502 and a lower piston 503.

[0025] The continuous holding means 700 in the forming means 300 comprise a kinematic mechanism for the mechanical holding of the flat disc 20, comprising at least one pair of longitudinally coaxial pistons 701 with opposite activation, typically an upper piston 702 and a lower piston 703.

[0026] The opposite coaxial coordinated activation of the pistons of the pair 501 and torque 701 along their longitudinal axes M1 and M2 respectively engages and holds the flat disc 20 in the predetermined position in the cutting means 100 and in the forming means 300. Conveniently, the pairs of coaxial pistons 501 and 701 retain the flat disc 20 with its own orthogonal axis N passing through its center coinciding with its own longitudinal axes M 1 and M2 respectively.

[0027] The continuous holding means 600 of the flat disk 20 in the transfer means 200 between the cutting means 100 and the forming means 300 operate by pneumatic suction of the flat disk 20 along an even partial circular crown 22.

[0028] Conveniently, the pneumatic suction means of the flat disc 20 comprise transfer means of the flat disc 20 having a plurality of circular crowns 22i, even partial ones positioned on the circumference of the first carousel 3 rotating around its own axis A.

[0029] Conveniently, the forming means 300 are positioned on the circumference of the second carousel 4 rotating around its own axis B.

[0030] Conveniently, the rotation axis A of the first carousel 3 and the rotation axis B of the second carousel 4 are parallel.

[0031] The continuous holding means 500 in the cutting means 100, the continuous holding means 600 in the transfer means 200, and the continuous holding means 700 in the forming means 300 hold the flat disc 20 with its own in a predetermined position orthogonal axis N parallel to the rotation axis A of the first carousel 3 and to the rotation axis B of the second carousel 4.

[0032] The transfer means 200 positioned on the circumference of the first carousel 3 transfer the flat discs 20 from the cutting means 100 to the forming means 300 positioned on the circumference of the second carousel 4.

[0033] The cutting means 100 comprise at least one unwinder / rewinder 11 of the web of filtering material 10 with discontinuous advancement coordinated with the activation of the continuous holding means 500 of the web 10 in an orthogonal axial correspondence of the cutting track 25 of the flat disk 20.

[0034] The cutting means 100 comprise at least one cutting element 12, which in the pauses of the coordinated discontinuous advancement of the unwinder / rewinder 11 is activated and engaged against the filtering belt 10 in the axial correspondence of the cutting track 25 causing the cutting and detachment of the flat disc 20.

[0035] In coordination with the activation of the cutting element 12, the continuous holding means 500 are simultaneously activated which first engage the tape 10 at the cutting track 25 and subsequently, upon cutting and detachment, engage the flat disk 20.

[0036] The continuous holding means 500 engage and transfer the flat disk 20 up to its engagement with the means 600 for the continuous holding of the transfer means 200.

[0037] Conveniently, the continuous holding means 600 are activated prior to the release of the continuous holding means 500 into the cutting means 100.

[0038] Ordinarily, the means 600 for the continuous retention of the transfer means 200 engage the flat disk 20 until its subsequent coordinated engagement by the means 700 for the continuous retention of the forming means 300.

[0039] Conveniently, the continuous holding means 700 are activated prior to the release of the continuous holding means 600 into the transfer means 200.

[0040] The forming means 300 comprise at least one ribbed die 301 with an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the flat disk 20, and means for forcing the flat disk 302 through the ribbed matrix 301.

[0041] Said forming means 300 are positioned and act coaxially with the M2 axis of the continuous transfer means 700.

[0042] The continuous transfer means 700, typically the at least one pair of coaxial pistons 701 with opposite activation, hold the flat disc 20 with its central orthogonal axis N coinciding with its own longitudinal axis M2.

[0043] The forcing means 302 transfer axially along the longitudinal axis M2 the second pair of coaxial pistons 701 which holds the flat disc 20 through the grooved matrix 301, shaping the flat disc 20 in the shape of a pleated cup 21 with a flat bottom 23, in correspondence with the engagement of the opposite upper coaxial piston 702 with the opposite lower coaxial piston 703 of the pair of coaxial pistons 701, and a pleating on a lateral perimeter surface 24 forced against the walls of the ribbed die 301.

[0044] The continuous holding means 700 engage the flat disk 20 during its conformation in the shape of a pleated cup 21, ensuring the exact coincidence of its orthogonal central axis N with the vertical axis M2 of the ribbed matrix 301.

[0045] In vertical correspondence and along the axis M2 with the forming means 300, means 400 are positioned for inserting the pleated cup 21 inside a waterproof cup 30 positioned in a seat 410 on the circumference of the second carousel 4 and vertically coaxial with the forming means 300 along the M2 axis.

[0046] The waterproof cup 30 has a mouth 31 with a diameter greater than the diameter of the flat bottom 23 of the pleated cup 21.

[0047] Advantageously, the means 400 for inserting the pleated cup 21 inside the waterproof cup 30 comprise at least one of the pair 701 of coaxial pistons 702 and 703 with opposite activation of the continuous holding means 700 of the forming means 300, typically the upper piston 702 while the lower piston 703 is deactivated and removed.

[0048] The insertion means 400 transfer the upper piston 702 along the axis M2 and insert the pleated cup 21 inside the waterproof cup 30 up to a mechanically predetermined height at which the circumference of external involution of the lateral surface 24 coincides with a height of the internal lateral surface of the waterproof cup 30.

[0049] Mechanical means 402 stop the insertion stroke of the upper piston 702 and of the pleated cup 21 when this mechanically predetermined height is reached.

[0050] In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper coaxial piston 702 comprises pneumatic suction means 710 which hold the flat bottom 23 of the pleated socket 21 in an axial position, even in the absence of the opposite mechanical contrast of the lower coaxial piston 703.

[0051] Another advantageous feature of the present invention is that the transfer means 200 consist of a plurality of transfer devices 200i positioned on the circumference of a first carousel 3 rotating around its own axis A.

[0052] Congruently, the continuous holding means 600 in the transfer means 200 are constituted by a plurality of continuous holding devices 600i in the plurality of the transfer means 200i.

[0053] With reference to Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 a preferred configuration of the transfer devices 200i is shown.

[0054] These devices 200i are each formed by a telescopic arm 1000i articulated to the carousel 3 and animated by a system of cams which phase its movement with that of the cutting means 100 and respectively the forming means 300 in such a way that there is a zero relative speed between the articulated arm 1000i and the cutting means 100 and the forming means 300 respectively at the moment of the passage of the flat disk 20i between one cutting means 100 and the other forming means 300.

[0055] The telescopic arm 1000i comprises a first part 1200i pivoted to the carousel 3 with axis 1400i parallel to the axis of rotation A of the carousel 3 and a second part 1300i including the annulus 22i and slidingly engaged along a coupling axis with the first part 1200i.

[0056] The rotation movement of the articulated arm is achieved thanks to a distributor 1900i which exploits the rotation of the carousel 3 around a fixed cam 1500.

[0057] This distributor 1900i is pivoted to the carousel 3 with axis 1800i parallel to the axis of rotation A of the carousel 3 and comprises a follower 1600i of the fixed cam 1500 and a toothed sector 1700i which engages with a toothed wheel 1500i having as its fulcrum the axis 1400i of the first part 1200i of the articulated arm with which the gear wheel 1500i is therefore integral in rotation.

[0058] The grip of the telescopic movement of the articulated arm 1000i is instead achieved by means of a distributor 2000i which exploits the rotation of the carousel 3 around a fixed cam, particularly but not necessarily a double fixed cam 2100, 2200.

[0059] Said distributor 2000i is pivoted to the carousel 3 with axis 2300i parallel to the axis of rotation A of the carousel 3 and comprises a follower, particularly but not necessarily a double follower 2400i, 2500i of the double fixed cam 2100, 2200, a connecting rod 2600i having a first end hinged to a carriage which supports the second part 1300i of the articulated arm and a second end hinged to a support 2700i in turn having as its fulcrum the axis 2300i of the distributor 2000i with which the support 2700i is therefore integral in rotation.

[0060] Incidentally, it should be noted that the axes 2300i and 1400i are coaxially arranged one inside the other, the external one thus having a tubular conformation.

[0061] Conveniently, the forming means 300 consist of a plurality of forming devices 300i positioned on the circumference of a second carousel 4 rotating around its own axis B.

[0062] Such the plurality of transfer means 200i and such plurality of continuous holding devices 600i transfer a congruent plurality of flat discs 20i from the cutting means 100 to the plurality of forming means 300i.

[0063] Consequently, the continuous holding means 700 in the forming means 300 are constituted by a plurality of continuous holding devices 700i in the plurality of the forming means 300i.

[0064] Said plurality of forming means 300i shapes the plurality of flat discs 20i in the shape of a plurality of pleated cups 21i.

[0065] Conveniently, the insertion means 400 consist of a plurality of insertion means 400i positioned on the circumference of the second carousel 4 and vertically coaxial with the forming means 300i.

[0066] Said plurality of insertion means 400i positions a plurality of pleated cups 21i in a plurality of waterproof cups 30i positioned in a plurality of seats 410i positioned on the circumference of the second carousel 4.

[0067] The operation of the apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the invention appears evident from what has been described and illustrated and, in particular, is substantially the following.

[0068] At the cutting station 2, a cutting element 12 cuts from the filter material belt 10 a flat disk 20, simultaneously engaged by the pair 501 of opposed-acting pistons 502 and 503 which hold the flat disk 20 and transfer it into position exchange until it is taken over by the means of continuous retention 600 of the transfer means 200.

[0069] The continuous holding means 600 comprise means for pneumatic suction of the flat disc 20 comprising transfer means having an even partial circular crown 22, and are suitably shaped to allow the flat disc 20 to be released by the pair 501 of pistons 502 and 503 and its removal after the activation of the pneumatic suction.

[0070] The rotation of the first rotating carousel 3 around its own vertical axis A transfers the transfer means 200 of the flat disc 20 positioned on its circumference in correspondence with the forming means 300 placed on the circumference of the second rotating carousel 4 in counter-rotation around to its vertical axis B.

[0071] The pair of coaxial pistons 701 with opposite activation is activated and engages the flat disc 20 by mechanical retention; only after this engagement is the pneumatic suction of the continuous holding means 600 deactivated, thus allowing their removal.

[0072] As illustrated in sequence in Figures 7a-7h, the forcing means 302 transfer axially along the longitudinal axis M2 the second pair of coaxial pistons 701 which holds the flat disc 20 through the ribbed matrix 301, shaping the flat disc 20 shaped like a pleated cup 21 with a flat bottom 23 - in correspondence with the engagement of the opposite upper coaxial piston 702 with the opposite lower coaxial piston 703 of the second pair of coaxial pistons 701 - and a pleating on a lateral perimeter surface 24 forced against the walls of the lined matrix 301.

[0073] The continuous holding means 700 engage the flat disk 20 during its conformation in the shape of a pleated cup 21, ensuring the exact coincidence of its orthogonal central axis N with the vertical axis M2 of the ribbed matrix 301.

[0074] In vertical correspondence and along the axis M2 with the forming means 300, insertion means 400 insert the pleated cup 21 inside a waterproof cup 30 positioned in a seat 410 on the circumference of the second carousel 4 and vertically coaxial with the forming means 300 along the M2 axis.

[0075] Advantageously, the insertion means 400 typically comprise the upper piston 702 of the pair 701 of coaxial pistons while the lower piston 703 is deactivated and removed with suitable kinematic means, not shown in the figures.

[0076] Typically, the insertion means 400 transfer the upper coaxial piston 702 along its own axis M2 by inserting the pleated cup 21 through the mouth 31 of the waterproof cup 30.

[0077] The pleated side wall 24 no longer retained by the ribbed matrix 301 tends to resume its original conformation elastically and adheres to the side walls of the waterproof cup 30 during insertion.

[0078] Mechanical means 402 stop the insertion stroke of the upper piston 702 upon reaching a mechanically predetermined height at which the outer involution circumference of the lateral surface 24 coincides with a reference height of the inner lateral surface of the waterproof socket 30 near the 'mouth 31.

[0079] The upper piston 702 is then deactivated and moved away.

[0080] The waterproof cup 30 thus comprising the exactly positioned pleated cup 21 then proceeds to the subsequent stations of the packaging system of the single-dose capsule for the preparation of beverages.

[0081] Modifications and variants, in addition to those already mentioned, are of course possible.

[0082] In practice it has been found that an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the invention is particularly advantageous for the continuous holding and exact positioning of the preformed filter in the waterproof container, eliminating production scraps and allowing a high production speed.

[0083] An apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

[0084] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages from a flat disc made of filtering material (20), comprising transfer means (200) for said flat disc, molding means (300) for said flat disc to shape it in the shape of a cup with a pleating (21) on a lateral perimeter surface (23) of the same, means for inserting (400) said pleated cup (21) inside a waterproof cup, characterized in that it comprises holding means continuous in a predetermined position of said flat disk (20) at least in said transfer (200) and forming (300) means and during its transfer between said transfer (200) and forming (300) means. 2. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first carousel (3), in that said transfer means (200) comprise a transfer device ( 200i) formed by at least one telescopic arm (1000i) articulated to said first carousel (3), and by the fact that a system of cams is provided which animate and phase the movement of the telescopic arm (1000i) with that of said means of forming (300) in such a way that there is a zero relative speed between said telescopic arm (1000i) and said forming means (300) at the moment of passage of said flat disk (20) to said forming means (300). 3. Apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the continuous holding means (700) in said forming means (300) comprise a kinematic mechanism comprising at least a pair of coaxial pistons with opposite activation (701). 4. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one pair (701) of coaxial pistons with opposite activation holds said flat disc (20) with the axis central orthogonal (N) coinciding with its own longitudinal axis (M2). 5. Apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the continuous holding means (600) in said transfer means (200) comprise pneumatic suction means of said flat disk (20). 6. Apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pneumatic suction means of said flat disc (20) comprise a plurality of partial circular crowns (22i) positioned on the circumference of a first carousel (3). 7. Apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second carousel (4), and in that said forming means (300) comprise a plurality of forming devices (300i) positioned on the circumference of said second carousel (4). 8. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transfer means (200) engage said at least one flat disk (20) up to its next coordinate engagement by said continuous holding means (700). 9. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said continuous holding means (700) engage said at least one flat disc (20) during its conformation cup-shaped (21) with a pleating on a lateral perimeter surface (23). 10. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said forming means (300) comprise at least one ribbed matrix (301) with an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of said at least one flat disk (20). 11. Apparatus for manufacturing a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said forming means (300) comprise forcing means (302) which transfer axially along the longitudinal axis (M2 ) said second pair of coaxial pistons (701) retaining said flat disk (20) through said ribbed matrix (301), shaping said flat disk (20) in the shape of said pleated cup (21). 12. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a plurality of waterproof cups (30i) is positioned in a plurality of seats (410i) positioned on the circumference of said at least a second carousel (4) is vertically coaxial with a plurality of insertion means (400i). 13. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said insertion means (400) of said at least one flat disk in the shape of a pleated cup (21) internally to an impermeable cup (30) comprise at least one upper coaxial piston (702) of at least said one second pair of oppositely activated coaxial pistons (701) of said continuous holding means (700). 14. Apparatus for making a filter for single-dose capsules for the preparation of beverages according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said upper coaxial piston (702) comprises pneumatic suction means (710) which hold the flat bottom in an axial position ( 23) of the pleated cup (21).